First a bit of history about Cherry Springs State Park.
Established around 1818 by Jonathan Edgcomb, he built a building, a log structure, which came to be known as The Cherry Springs Hotel. Due to its remoteness, the first visitors were few and far between. Soon after, the lumber industry settled in and proceeded to extract a large number of remote hardwoods, including the hardwood cherry trees that give the park its name.
Located a few miles from the intersection of Pa Rt 6 and Pa Rt44S, south on Pa Rt 44 is Cherry Springs State Park. It is remote, isolated and wild today as it was 200 years ago. Due to the lack of nearby towns and cities and light pollution, it has become “the place” for stargazers who come from everywhere.
Tips for stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park
Located at: 4639 Cherry Springs Rd (Pa Rt 44) Coudersport, PA 16915, is just a few minutes south of Pa Rt 6 in Coudersport Pa. Parks phone number is (814) 435-5010
• Dress warmly in spring, fall, and winter. It is the top of a mountain and although the daytime temperatures can be moderate, the nighttime temperatures will drop a lot. It is recommended to bring blankets and chairs.
• Cherry Springs is a state park, so please follow the park rules.
• Upon arrival, wait 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the lack of light.
• Pets are not allowed in the astronomical observation field while the astronomers are there.
• If you bring a flashlight, it should be covered with red cellophane or a red lens filter. This will preserve your night vision.
• If you have binoculars or a telescope, bring them. The naked eye viewing is spectacular, but the binoculars will only add to your experience.
• Optimal viewing occurs during the lunar phase of dark moon.
• Check astronomy websites and the park’s event calendar for meteor shows throughout the year. Seeing shooting stars for the first time is an indescribable event.
• Check the parks’ calendar of events for all-star parties, events, and educational programs.
• Buy a beginner’s guide to stargazing, it will help you as the constellations change with the seasons.
• The most important thing is to make sure you check the weather. Usually 3-4 days in advance will give you a good idea of the weather forecast. Star Gazing is 100% weather dependent. This may mean making the trip here on short notice. Will be worth. There is nothing more frustrating than planning a trip a month or two in advance, arriving only to find rain or complete cloud cover that will ruin your trip.
The night sky observation area is located north of Route 44, across from the closed astronomical observation field. Parking lots are located here as well as several information kiosks. Follow the walkway to the public programs area where the banks are located. There is also a backlit sky map path located on this path.
Best of luck and happy stargazing!
And finally, if you are interested in a nearby lodging, be sure to visit us at Sweden Valley Hotel & Cabins, we are the closest hotel to Cherry Springs State Park. Visit us http://www.swedenvalleycabins.com/
